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| New drug policy proposes setting up of drug de-addiction centres in new medical colleges | | | Jehangir Rashid
Early Times Report
SRINAGAR, Nov 5: At a time when the drug addiction has spread its tentacles across the length and breadth of Jammu & Kashmir the new drug policy that is in public domain these days has envisaged that drug de-addiction centres should be set up in the upcoming medical colleges in the state.
The drug policy that is also known as Draft Policy Document for Drug De-Addiction has been drafted by Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (IMHANS) Government Medical College, Srinagar in collaboration with Department of Psychiatry, SKIMS Medical College, Srinagar, J&K State AIDS Control Society with inputs from Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Jammu and Psychiatrists from Directorates of Health Services Kashmir and Jammu respectively.
"Up-gradation of de-addiction centers of GMC, Srinagar and Jammu in terms of infrastructure and manpower to enhance the care level and provide linkage to the community. Establishment of drug de-addiction centers in SKIMS MCH and all upcoming medical colleges in the state," reads the draft policy document for drug de-addiction.
The policy document reads that enhancement of de-addiction, treatment services in all district hospitals having a psychiatrist and providing manpower to the psychiatrist through district mental health programme for running the de-addiction services efficiently should be done. It says that community leaders like teachers, preachers and social activists need to be sensitized about the substance abuse.
"Training of medical doctors, para-medical staff and other para-clinical staff in identification, intervention and referral of patients with substance use disorders should be done. Utilization of mass media in spreading awareness across schools by making and broadcasting movies and internet based informative videos," says the policy document.
The policy document says that para-social and para-health workers like village level workers, ASHAs, ANMs and para-legal field workers need to be sensitized about the substance use and curbing the same. It says that NDPS Act should be implemented in letter and spirit in the state adding that discussions and deliberations should be carried so that more drugs are covered under the Act.
"Re-orientation of literacy mission into an educational mission, focusing on overall development of children with special focus on outdoor sports/playing and moral education, thus, contributing to society building should be done. It is also important that content on the internet is regulated and curbs are imposed on glamorizing the substances of abuse (smoking/cannabis)," reads the policy document.
The policy document says that medical insurance and medical leave benefits should cover de-addiction treatment period just like any other medical condition adding that schools should conduct health check up camps particularly for adolescents so that screening of substance of abuse is done.
"There is a need for introduction of self help communities on the lines of narcotics anonymous in the state. The controlling agencies need to re-orient their modus operandi to counter balance the availability of substances. Extension of after care in the form of rehabilitative care within the community, ensuring life of dignity and purposefulness by empowering them socially and economically," reads the policy document. |
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